Best Yoga Poses to Reduce Anxiety

Anxiety is a common phenomenon that is observed in metropolitan lives. The competitive environment and constant work pressure are one reason for this condition or state of mind where the natural inbound mental peace is lost and replaced by unpleasant thoughts and undesired restlessness.

Anxiety is also one of the outcomes if there is a disturbing family or social life and can lead to vandalizing the wellbeing of a human being. This might also result in something as serious as a nervous breakdown. While there are many medical treatments possible to control and reduce the anxiety, the medications might have side effects on the physical condition of an anxiety patient. An efficient cure to reduce anxiety is yoga. Here are the best yoga poses to reduce anxiety.

Bitilasana (Cow Pose)

In this pose, start with your hands and knees on a hard ground, preferably on the yoga mat. Ensure that your hips and knees fall in exact straight line. Lift up your upper body and rest it on your hands. Your elbows, shoulders and wrists should make up a straight line perpendicular to the ground. Focus on the floor and look up. Repeat this process for about 15 times. It will stretch your spine and will provide ultimate relaxation.

Uttana Shishosana (Extended Puppy Pose)

This pose is called as extended puppy pose because it appears like a puppy lazing out or looking for being pampered. In this pose, you have to start with the position like in Bitilasana, where your hips are lifted above in line with the knees. Then, gently rest your straight hands on the floor making your upper body touch the ground. It will appear as if a triangle is formed by the knees and upper body. Rest your head on the floor and take calm deep breathes. Stay in the pose for 30 seconds. This relaxes your spine and helps to relax your shoulders which reduce tension and stress.

Anjali Mudra (Salutation Seal)

To practice this position, sit in Siddhasana with knees folded and back erect. Join your hands in a straight line to form a ‘Namaskar’ with palms gasped and fingers pointed towards the sky. Place the hands close to your chest and let the tip of your thumbs touch the body. Close your eyes and take calculated breathes. Anjali Mudra is considered to be the best position for meditation and grants alluring peace to the soul. Stay at least for 5 minutes in this pose every day and reduce tension and anxiety.

Dandasana (Staff Pose)

In this asana of yoga to reduce anxiety and tension, sit on the floor with your legs stretched out parallel to the ground. Make sure you keep the hips and upper body in a straight line which is perpendicular to the floor. Rest your hands in straight line with the shoulders on the ground and open your palms. Your feet should be straight facing upwards. Hold your spine straight as in a staff firmly fixed in the ground. This asana improved digestion and relaxes the feet and calf.

Marjarasana (Cat Pose)

As the name suggests, it is the pose that looks like a cat stretching its body. Lie down on the ground and rest your body on the palms touching the floor. Lift the lower abdomen gently with your knees perpendicular to the floor. Stretch the hip into upward direction and face upwards for a while and then gaze at the floor. Repeat this process. The stomach should be a slight curve and the hips should be raised as high as possible. This is an ultimate stress breaker and also reduces menstrual cramps. It also helps in better concentration and improves the body posture.